Ocho Rios, Jamaica...

February 2^nd, Groundhog Day!  I saw my shadow, so I'll have 6 more weeks of sunny weather.  Have I told you lately that Jamaica is not one of our favorite islands???  It still is among my least favorite places, after seeing most of the world.  It is beyond irritating to constantly fight the gauntlet of repetitive chatter trying to forcefully sell you tours, souvenirs and drugs; the barrage is unrelenting…Today, I had a guy grabbed me by the arm trying to force me check out his wares… I was not impressed! I had gotten off the ship early to explore downtown Ocho Rios, after the altercation, I could have easily returned at that moment but, I continued on.  The ship was docked at the Island Village with its complex of shops, restaurants and rows of souvenir stands that leads to Main Street. I followed Main Street to into town.  On the way, I saw a woman, from the ship, walking into town on her own.  When she approached me to ask a question, I warned her that a woman walking around on the own might not be the safest thing to do.  She commented that that is exactly the conclusion she had to come to at that point.  I invited her to walk with me and we continued on to town.  On the return, we visited Turtle River Park, an immaculately kept public garden that I visit on each visit, never know what you’ll see. Returning to Main Street, I was on the lookout for my local buddy Leroy that I met on previous visits, but he was not around this trip. Wondering back towards the ship, I stopped at the Island Village complex before making my way back to the ship.  My new friend Bonnie was safely delivered back to the port so off I went…  I spent the rest of the day in the Retreat enjoying the nice weather.